What Are the Basic Estate Administrator Duties in Virginia?

June 15, 2023 – Matthew S. Akers & Douglas McCarthy

What Are the Basic Estate Administrator Duties in Virginia? Call (540) 722-2181

Stepping into the role of executor for a loved one’s estate often comes at a time of deep personal grief. With the responsibilities of closing accounts, settling debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries, the complexities of estate administration may initially seem overwhelming.

Understanding your estate administrator duties can transform this challenging task into a meaningful part of honoring your loved one’s legacy. In this blog, an estate administration lawyer from our McCarthy & Akers team shares the basics of what you need to know and why seeking professional assistance could be a valuable step in this process

If you have questions or are looking for supportive and professional help with your estate administration duties, we’re here for you. Contact us at (540) 722-2181 to schedule your consultation. Allow us to ease this burden and work alongside you in this important task. Let us go to work for you!

What is Estate Administration?

Estate administration refers to the legal process of managing and settling the affairs of a deceased person’s (the decedent) estate. It involves collecting, preserving, and distributing the decedent’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and addressing any other legal obligations associated with their estate.

The primary goal of estate administration is to ensure the orderly transfer of the decedent’s assets to the intended beneficiaries or heirs in accordance with their wishes or the applicable laws.

This process requires careful attention to detail, compliance with legal requirements, and the fulfillment of fiduciary duties by the estate administrator.

What is the Difference Between an Executor and an Estate Administrator?

In Virginia, an executor and an estate administrator essentially perform the same role: they manage and settle the decedent’s estate. The key difference lies in how these roles are appointed.

An executor is a person named in the decedent’s will to carry out the decedent’s instructions. This individual could be a close family member, a friend, or even a professional such as an attorney or accountant. The executor’s role is to act as the personal representative of the estate, overseeing and managing the estate administration process.

An estate administrator, on the other hand, is appointed by the court in instances where there is no will (intestate), no named executor in the will, or when the named executor is unable or unwilling to serve. In these situations, the court appoints an estate administrator to manage and settle the estate.

If an executor is named in a will, they are generally the first choice to serve as the personal representative or “estate administrator” of the estate. However, their appointment is not automatic.

The named executor must formally accept the role and apply to the probate court to be officially appointed. Upon appointment, the executor is granted “letters testamentary,” which confer the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Understanding the Legal Side

Undertaking the role of an estate administrator involves more than just executing tasks; it comes with significant legal obligations.

Fiduciary Duties

An estate administrator is a fiduciary, meaning they have a legal duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries. This means handling the estate honestly, impartially, and with the utmost care.

Legal Consequences for Breaching Duties

Failure to fulfill these duties properly can lead to legal consequences. For example, if you’re a beneficiary and believe the estate administrator has acted wrongly, you can petition the court. This could potentially lead to lawsuits or personal liability for the administrator.

The Basic Estate Administrator Duties in Virginia

Next, let’s examine the basic details of the job. It’s a substantial task, encompassing responsibilities from inventorying the estate to paying taxes. The process begins by initiating the estate administration through a petition filed with the Virginia court.

Once approved, the court grants legal authority to the appointed executor or estate administrator to manage the estate.

As an estate administrator in Virginia, your responsibilities during the probate process will include:

  • Inventory of Assets: Compile a detailed inventory of the decedent’s estate, including all real and personal property, bank accounts, investments, and other assets.
  • Notification of Interested Parties: Notify all beneficiaries, heirs, and creditors about the opening of the probate process.
  • Debt Settlement: Pay any valid claims made by creditors against the estate using funds from the estate.
  • Tax Filings: File any necessary state and federal income tax returns for the decedent and the estate, and pay any taxes due.
  • Estate Management: Manage the estate throughout the probate process, which could include maintaining real estate, managing investments, and running any businesses owned by the deceased.
  • Asset Distribution: After debts and taxes are paid, distribute the remaining assets according to the will or, if there is no will, according to Virginia’s intestacy laws.
  • Final Accounting: Submit a final account to the probate court detailing all income to, disbursements from, and changes in the estate during the administration process.

Remember, the probate process can be complex and time-consuming, and each case can have its unique requirements or issues. It’s often advisable to seek professional help to guide you through the process.

Why Consider Professional Help for Estate Administration?

Whether you’re contemplating who should administer your estate after you pass or if you’re a first-time executor, managing an estate can be complicated. This is where the benefit of professional assistance comes into play.

Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Law Firm

Engaging an experienced estate planning law firm that offers comprehensive estate administration services can be a strategic move.

Such firms can not only save you time and money, but their years of experience can also help streamline the process and avert potential pitfalls.

The Role of an Executor Versus a Law Firm

While an executor is charged with managing the decedent’s estate, a professional law firm brings to the table a wealth of legal knowledge and experience, along with a thorough understanding of estate administration.

This can be especially beneficial in lightening the load on family members during a challenging period.

Making the Right Choice

The decision between hiring a law firm and appointing an executor hinges on the specific circumstances of each estate. Factors to consider include the size and complexity of the estate, the availability of capable family members, and the possibility of disputes among beneficiaries.

The ultimate goal is to ensure the estate administration process is executed efficiently and effectively, with respect to the decedent’s wishes, providing peace of mind to all involved.

The Responsibility of an Estate Administrator in Virginia

As this detailed guide from the Virginia Bar Association illustrates, serving as an estate administrator in Virginia is a role of considerable responsibility.

It calls for meticulous attention to detail, a strong understanding of financial matters, and a dedication to upholding the decedent’s wishes and their beneficiaries’ best interests.

While it’s a role not to be undertaken lightly, with the right approach and handling, the decedent’s wishes can be effectively fulfilled and their legacy properly managed.

Navigate Estate Administration Smoothly with Professional Guidance

Estate administration in Virginia can be complex, especially for first-time executors or those dealing with complicated estates. To ensure a seamless process and safeguard the interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, professional guidance is invaluable.

At McCarthy & Akers, PLC, you’ll find a team of seasoned professionals ready to provide comprehensive estate administration services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re an executor needing assistance or you require full-service estate administration, our estate administration attorneys are ready to guide you through every step.

Get in touch today to schedule your consultation. You can reach us at (540) 722-2181 or online, or visit our offices in Strasburg, Front Royal, Winchester, and Manassas. Let us go to work for you!

Don’t forget to download our complimentary guide titled “3 Most Common Threats to Your Estate and Your Family’s Future.” This resource is designed to help you avoid common pitfalls and make the best decisions for your family’s future. Get your copy here.

Copyright © 2024. McCarthy & Akers, PLC | Estate Planning Attorneys. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

McCarthy & Akers, PLC | Estate Planning Attorneys
302 W Boscawen St.
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 722-2181
https://mccarthyakers.com/

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